Brehminsel in Essen-Werden

The Brehminsel, Brehm Island, also known as the Brehm, lies on the Hadenberg embankment between the Ruhr River and the Heyerstrang lock canal and is connected to the river promenade by a bridge. It is a small island, also known as the city park (Werden). Recreation, socializing, sports, and games are highly valued on Brehm Island (Brehminsel). In addition to an asphalt promenade around the island, lush lawns, benches, and a children's playground at the rear, Brehm Island is particularly appealing due to its excellent connections to the... Werdener Old Town, the S-Bahn station Werden and the proximity to Baldeneysee.

The island is particularly popular in summer and has become well-known among visitors from beyond the borders of the Essen district of Werden. It is characterized by a large number of trees, including stately chestnut trees planted in the 19th century, and a variety of other plants, as well as a spacious and well-maintained meadow that invites visitors to relax and play. Barbecuing is not permitted on Brehm Island. Those planning a barbecue with family and friends can use the area at the old Strandbad in Löwenthal, where public barbecuing is allowed.

Art also plays a significant role on the Brehminsel. Two stone gates were installed on the Brehminsel in 1984/1985 by the German artist Maria Nordman, who lived in the USA. The sculptures were created thanks to an initiative of the Museum Folkwang and are intended to establish a formal entrance with city gates. The gates, though small, were long independent. Town Werden The Brehm area dates back to an abbey in the 8th century. In the mid-16th century, it was used as a pasture for cattle before steel, coal, and cloth brought wealth to the area, and it was transformed into a park for promenades. A little further on, the sculpture of a Ruhr riverboatman, created by wood sculptor Roger Löcherbach, rises up. The oversized figure connects to the miniature Ruhraake, a play ship in the adjacent playground, which is a nod to the historical shipping traffic on the Ruhr River.

Not to be forgotten are the sightlines – wooden platforms intended to offer views of thematically related landmarks such as Ruhr shipping and the cloth factory. These structures gained dubious notoriety a few years ago when they were featured on the television program "Mario Barth deckt auf!" (Mario Barth Exposes!), hosted by the comedian Mario Barth. The RTL program focuses on taxpayer waste, presenting examples to the audience. In this case, the wooden platforms on the Brehminsel, which cost €15,000 each, were the focus and bear little resemblance to conventional viewing platforms. Four were planned, but only two were ultimately built due to protests. Since the broadcast, the sightlines on the Brehm have attracted not only the usual recreational visitors but also sightseers. They can see for themselves.

History shows that this small island in the Ruhr Valley has always been popular and therefore contested. Initially, it belonged to the abbey (Werden) and from 1481 onwards was leased to the citizens of the town (Werden) for three pounds of wax. The citizens grazed their cattle there. When the rent payments ceased, the abbey demanded the island back. However, the abbey hadn't reckoned with the town's representatives, who also had an interest in the island and appealed directly to Prussia. Meanwhile, the abbey consulted the emperor. This ultimately led to a thirty-year dispute, which ended with a settlement.

The mayor and council relinquished their claim to Brehminsel in exchange for 15 acres of land and a pasture. Following secularization, Brehminsel fell to the Prussians, who again used the island as pastureland. From 1900 onward, Brehminsel, then called Prieminsel, was opened to the public for recreation and sports. In 1929, the city of Essen acquired the island after incorporating Werden. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia has owned the island since 1945.

Today, the Brehminsel area has established itself as a local recreation area for families. The precise labeling of the trees has created an educational trail, which is well-received by kindergartens, schools, and groups of children and young people staying at the local youth hostel on class trips. In addition to the playground with a zip line, table tennis tables and a volleyball court appeal to sports enthusiasts. The pedal boat rental located in front of the Brehminsel, as well as the meadows and the former towpath, are also popular destinations in the summer.